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In addition to new Nexus devices, Google has also unveiled an updated Chromecast and a new Android tablet.

Curiously, the tablet does not replace the existing Nexus 9. It also doesn’t carry the Nexus name at all, but the Pixel name from Google’s series of high-end Chromebooks. However, this is a purely Android tablet despite the Pixel name. ChromeOS is nowhere to be found. Dubbed the Pixel C, the new tablet appears to be entirely designed by Google, and not in conjunction with an OEM as seen on the Nexus line.

The Pixel C features a 10.2” display with 2560×1800 resolution and is powered by a quad-core nVidia X1 with 3GB of RAM. Like the other Pixels, the Pixel C sports a full metal body. It uses USB Type-C as it’s charging and expansion port and has an optional keyboard dock held in place entirely by magnets. However, like the Surface Pro line, the keyboard is an aftermarket accessory retailing for $149. The Pixel C itself comes in 32GB and 64GB capacities, which will retail for $499 and $599 respectively.

Google has also announced an update to the Chromecast. This second generation Chromecast looks like a disc rather than the first generation’s stick like design. To take advantage of better quality audio and video, Google has added support for 5GHz wireless networks and 802.11ac, allowing for faster data transfer rates as well as full 4k video streams. It is also fast enough to accommodate games streamed from a phone or tablet. The Chromecast app also has a new section called “What’s On,” that allows easy access to streamable content from Netflix and other providers.

For audio lovers, Google has also released an audio only version dubbed the Chromecast Audio. By connecting it to speakers, the Chromecast Audio can stream Google Music, and Google has announced support for Spotify at launch.

Both the second generation Chromecast as well as the Chromecast Audio will retail for $35.

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I've been a lover of video games, writing, and technology for as long as I remember. I have a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and I'm happy to write about gaming and technology for TechRaptor.